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St Andrews Football Club Players Code of Conduct.
(Adapted from F.I.F.A. players code of conduct.)
1. Play to Win
Winning is the object of playing any game. Never set out to lose. If you do not play to win, you are cheating your opponents, deceiving those who are watching, and also fooling yourself.
2. Play Fair
Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure. Playing fair requires courage and character. It is also more satisfying. Fair Play always has its reward, even when the game is lost. Playing fair earns you respect, while cheats are detested. Remember: It's only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly.
3. Observe the Laws of the Game
All games need rules to guide them. Without rules, there would be chaos. The rules of football are simple and easy to learn. Make an effort to learn them, so you understand the game better. This makes you a better player. It is just as important to understand the spirit of the rules. They are designed to make the game fun to play and fun to watch. By sticking to the rules, you will enjoy the game more.
4. Respect Opponents, Teammates, Referees, Officials and Spectators
Fair Play means respect. Without opponents there can be no game. They have the same rights as you have, including the right to be respected. Your teammates are your colleagues. You form a team in which all members are equal. Referees are there to maintain discipline and Fair Play. Always accept their decisions without arguing, and help them to help you enjoy the game more. Officials are also part of the game and must be respected accordingly. Spectators give the game atmosphere. They want to see the game played fairly, but must also behave fairly themselves.
5. Respect the values of the Christian Soccer Association
We are all playing in a Christian Soccer Association and regardless of your beliefs, you must respect the values of the Christian Church on and off the field. This includes respecting such traditions as the prayer at the beginning of the game.
6. Accept Defeat with Dignity
Nobody wins all the time. You win some, you lose some. Learn to lose graciously. Don't seek excuses for defeat. Genuine reasons will always be self-evident. Congratulate the winners with good grace. Don't blame the referee or anyone else. Determine to do better next time. Good losers earn more respect than bad winners.
7. Reject Corruption, Drugs, Racism, Violence.
Watch out for attempts to tempt you into cheating or using drugs. Drugs have no place in football or any other sport or in our society. Say No to Drugs. Help Kick Racism out of Football. Treat all players and everyone else equally, regardless of their skin colour or origin. Show that football does not want violence, even from your own fans. Football is Sport, and Sport is Peace.
8. Encourage your team mates.
No one has a perfect game, every game. We all have good and bad moments. If one of your team mates makes a bad pass, makes a mistake or does something they would rather not have done, encourage them that next time it will be better. Tell them to lift their head and move on. Never berate a team mate for doing something wrong. No one is perfect!
9. Co-operate with your coach.
Your coach is a volunteer. It’s not an easy job juggling players and trying to keep everyone satisfied with his decisions. He has the best interest of the WHOLE TEAM in mind. If he nominates you to be off the field for a period, you must co-operate with that. No arguing with the coach will be tolerated.
10. Captains are the only ones to communicate with the officials.
The on field Captain of the team is the only player who should communicate with the officials (linesmen as well as referees) If you have a problem with any issue involving the officials, tell your captain, let him deal with it and then observe rule # 9. |
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